BY ROSEMARY NWAEBUNI
BRAIN drain refers to the phenomenon where highly educated and skilled persons leave their home country to live and work in another country, often for better opportunities, working conditions or quality of life. This trend, known as ‘’Japa’’, a Nigerian term derived from the Yoruba language, meaning ‘’to flee’’, can have significant implications for the country of origin.
Today, there is a growing trend of young Nigerians, especially educated and youthful professionals, migrating in search of better opportunities abroad. This development, aptly described as the ‘’Japa syndrome’’ involves the mass departure of highly skilled individuals, most especially in the medical, engineering and Information Communication Technology (ICT) fields, in search of greener pastures. This phenomenon is mostly accentuated by globalised opportunities and social media.
There are different reasons accounting for why young Nigerian professionals like medical doctors, nurses, engineers and other technically savvy professionals seek better opportunities abroad. These reasons are tied to a combination of ‘push’ factors back home in Nigeria and ‘pull’ factors in the destination countries. These generally fall into four main categories: financial incentives, better working conditions, improved career and lifestyle prospects.
The most significant attraction for young Nigerian professionals migrating abroad is the potential for a substantially higher salary and more appropriate compensation for their demanding work. Young professionals often seek financial stability, fairer taxation systems and better overall financial prospects that often are not available in their home country.
Inadequate supplies of work tools and a lack of modern technology in Nigeria are major push factors, as young professionals desire an environment where they can practice effectively. Most young Nigerian professionals, particularly in the medical sector, often contend with heavy workloads, long unfavourable working hours, high levels of workplace stress and pressure, which combine to significantly contribute to burnout and dissatisfaction. Such situations propel them to consider the overseas option.
Lack of appreciation and support is another justification for brain drain among young Nigerian professionals. Many young professionals have complained about feeling undervalued, demoralised and lacking support from management at their workplace or the public, which negatively impacts job satisfaction. They therefore see ‘’Japa’’ as a viable option.
Opportunities for career progression, high-quality training programs, specialisation and research support are often limited in this country and thus, act as strong pull factors for immigration or Japa syndrome among our young professionals.
Many young professionals have also justified their desire to flee the country in search of a better quality of life. This is a broad factor encompassing a better work-life balance, improved standard of living and a more stable social and political environment.
Young Nigerian professionals are equally motivated to ‘’Japa’’ by the desire to experience different cultures, broaden their horizons and gain diverse experiences that help them mature as professionals. Some also premise their reason for considering the ‘’Japa’’ option on the desire to join family members already living abroad, to access better educational opportunities and an improved quality of life for their own families.
Other reasons for the prevalence of brain drain among young Nigerian professionals include economic hardship, unemployment, poor infrastructure and services, insecurity, lack of opportunity and policy inconsistency.
Brain drain, especially among young professionals, has far-reaching consequences for Nigeria as a country. Nigeria loses a significant portion of its workforce and intellectual capital through brain drain, which hampers economic growth and development.
With young professionals leaving the country, there is a reduced capacity for innovation, and the economy suffers from a lack of skilled labour. Beyond these, families and communities can be affected by the loss of members, leading to social disintegration and loss of cultural heritage.
Other implications of brain drain among Nigerian professionals include depletion of critical human capital and stunted national development; weakening of key institutions and stifling of innovation initiatives; and reduction in the pool of skilled professionals needed for economic growth.
Tackling brain drain among young Nigerian professionals will require a multifaceted approach involving the government, private sector and civil society. Meanwhile, here are some of the ways brain drain among young Nigerian professionals can be checked:
Creating more jobs, increasing salaries, and providing incentives for professionals to stay; promoting good governance, reducing corruption and improving overall living conditions; encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting local initiatives that can draw skilled professionals back to the country; economic revitalisation and job creation – these will go a long way to discourage brain drain in the country.
Government should also embark on critical reforms in the education sector with emphasis on skill development, governance and major institutions; strengthening the security architecture of the country and rule of law; improve the healthcare sector, embark on purposeful and transparent youth empowerment programs; improve essential services including making electricity available and affordable; addressing corruption and enhancing political stability; and creating an environment where skilled youths can look forward to a viable future.
Through diligent prosecution of the above recommendations and the creation of an environment conducive to growth and opportunity, Nigeria can hope to retain its talented young professionals and foster a brighter future.
